Russia to help Ukraine make its gas pipeline network effective - pres

“It is important that this joint venture would serve not as a monopoly and Ukraine would have an equal access to the pipe,” Yanukovich said

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Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

KIEV, March 1 (Itar-Tass) – Ukraine wants to see its national gas pipeline network operating effectively, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich told a news conference on Friday.

“How can we do this?” he asked. “Russia can guarantee us gas supplies. If Russia provides the guarantees, we will already have the answer to one question.”

As for modernization of Ukraine’s gas pipeline network Yanukovich noted that Russia had already expressed its readiness to invest into this project. At the same time the network will remain Ukraine’s property. In the future the network will be rented out.

“It is important that this joint venture would serve not as a monopoly and Ukraine would have an equal access to the pipe,” Yanukovich said.

The Ukrainian leader noted that EU member-states may also take part in modernization of Ukraine’s gas pipeline network, “if they wish.”

“We will receive them with pleasure. We want to find such a model of cooperation to operate Ukraine’s gas pipeline network, where everybody would feel comfortable,” Yanukovich said.